The top three brands captured 19.2% of direct mentions in Online Degree and Certificate Programs.
Share of direct mentions
19.2%
80.8%
share of answers
Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,934 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Online Degree and Certificate Programs
ParseChatGPT + Google AIParse
https://parse.gl
Measured across ChatGPT & Google AI
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Governors UniversityThe dominant leader, cited for flexible, competency-based programs across multiple disciplines. | The dominant leader, cited for flexible, competency-based programs across multiple disciplines. | 55% |
| 2 |  Arizona State UniversityA top contender, frequently recommended for its online marketing and accounting programs. | A top contender, frequently recommended for its online marketing and accounting programs. | 28% |
| 3 |  Southern New Hampshire UniversitySurged in mentions due to its flexible online marketing and accounting degrees. | Surged in mentions due to its flexible online marketing and accounting degrees. | 21% |
| 4 |  Purdue University Global | 18% | |
| 5 |  University of Florida | 17% | |
| 6 |  Drexel University | 17% | |
| 7 |  University of South Carolina | 16% | |
| 8 |  The Ohio State University | 15% | |
| 9 |  Walden University | 15% | |
| 10 |  American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) | 15% | |
| 11 |  Liberty University | 15% | |
| 12 |  University of Central Florida | 14% | |
| 13 |  Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing | 13% | |
| 14 |  Duke University | 13% | |
| 15 |  Capella University | 12% | |
| 16 |  AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)A key accrediting body, increasingly cited as a quality benchmark for business programs. | A key accrediting body, increasingly cited as a quality benchmark for business programs. | 11% |
| 17 |  University of Texas at Arlington | 11% | |
| 18 |  Penn StateFrequently cited for well-regarded online degrees offered through its World Campus. | Frequently cited for well-regarded online degrees offered through its World Campus. | 10% |
| 19 |  Chamberlain University | 10% | |
| 20 |  Herzing University | 9% | |
| 21 |  Johns Hopkins UniversityCited for prestigious online master's programs in both nursing and data science. | Cited for prestigious online master's programs in both nursing and data science. | 8% |
| 22 |  University of North Carolina at Chapel HillGained prominence for its Kenan-Flagler online MBA with data analytics specializations. | Gained prominence for its Kenan-Flagler online MBA with data analytics specializations. | 8% |
| 23 | 8% | ||
| 24 |  Research.com | 7% | |
| 25 |  OnlineU | 7% |
“A flexible online option” → “An affordable, competency-based model for self-paced learning and career advancement”
Jumped from rank #21 to #3 between October and March.
Dropped from #5 to #11 in overall mentions between October and March.
Went from being barely mentioned in October to a top 5 brand by March.
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Governors University | 59% | 57% | |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 26% | 18% | |
| Purdue University Global | 7% | 22% | |
| University of Central Florida | 7% | 20% | |
 ASU Online | 14% | 10% |
The two models disagree most about Capella University (ChatGPT #4, Google #23) and Oregon State University (ChatGPT #13, Google #25).
Sources AI cited
research.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 52% of analyzed answers.
Share of direct mentions
share of answers
Western Governors University maintains its position as the most-cited institution for online degree programs, lauded for its flexible learning model. Across the niche, AI assistants have increasingly emphasized program-specific accreditation and recommendations for prestigious universities, particularly for specialized graduate degrees in business and technology.
Across 1,934 AI responses, Western Governors University is mentioned most, named in 55% of them, followed by Arizona State University (28%) and Southern New Hampshire University (21%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 1,934 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
Western Governors UniversityAI recommendations initially focused on the importance of accrediting bodies like AACN and ACEN in late 2025. By early 2026, responses shifted to consistently recommending specific institutions, with
Brands mentioned
Western Governors Universitywhich online nursing schools are good for me?
AI recommendations initially focused on the importance of accrediting bodies like AACN and ACEN in late 2025. By early 2026, responses shifted to consistently recommending specific institutions, with
Western Governors University
share of answers
Southern New Hampshire UniversityBrands mentioned
Western Governors Universitywhich online accounting bachelor's programs are good for me?
The market map
